Chief Coach of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, Patrick Bassey has stated that his athletes are sure of grabbing slots for the London Olympics at the forthcoming African Weightlifting Championship billed for March 28 - April 2 in Nairobi, Kenya.

He told Saturday Vanguard Sports that the lifters have put behind them the inability to grab any slot at the World Championship last year.

"We are still very optimistic that we will pick a good number of slots for the Olympics from the African qualifiers in Kenya to represent the country," he stated.

According to him, the effect of not picking a slot from the World Championship will not affect the lifters' spirit going for the qualifiers.

"It will not have any negative effect on them because they have been able to put it behind. The continental tourney is another way out for us to get to the Olympics, so we are keen on giving it our all.

By our pedigree, we have very good lifters that will represent us very well at the championship, judging from their last outings, most especially, that of the Commonwealth and World Championship," he added.